Story
My goal for the hike today was to check my Six Mile Creek RunGo directions, but there was one other thing. When I was making them yesterday, I noticed that RunGo and other services were showing another trail that would connect the two loops I’d made off the South Hill Rec Way. That connection would be way better if it worked, so when I got to that point, I took the turn.
About a mile in, I came to a gorgeous little stream intersection where two streams combined. I could see on the map (I was following the trail using Strava’s route mode) where the trail was supposed to go, but it led up an incredibly steep spine of land. I tried to bushwhack around it a few times, but then decided to climb it just in case it wasn’t as hard as it looked. Alas, it was, and I had trouble getting up and even more trouble getting back down. Much as I wanted to make the connection, I just couldn’t send everyone that way.
Heading back, I took a different turn that went back up to the Rec Way and reconnected with Tonya who had started running the course about 30 minutes after me. She had found a grassy path that did indeed pop out on the Rec Way, and seemed like it might be a workable alternative. But, unfortunately, it was one of those spots that has a No Entry sign on the Rec Way side. Foiled again!
So, as much as I was looking forward to improving the course with more trail, it doesn’t seem possible without some significant trail work and the blessing of the Town of Ithaca. Tonya bounced off on the second trail loop ahead of me.
I resigned myself to the remainder of the course as defined, enjoying the sunny weather and pretty flowers along the Rec Way.
When I was approaching Juniper Drive again, I started my 7 by 1 minute run/walk intervals, which actually felt a little better than walking at that point, and ended up finishing shortly after Tonya. And then I found happy little graffiti in the dust on the car’s back window.
Hope everyone else had great runs today too!